Travel to South Korea to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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 South Korea

Intro

Backpacking in South Korea?

  • Not a real backpacking destination for many, but all the nicer for some because of that.
  • Features: modern yet super Asian, street food, parties, Kpop, beautiful nature and temples.

Traveling in South Korea?

  • Known for Korean dramas, K-Pop and Gangnam Style, but Korea is much more than that. Travel comfortably to beautiful nature, hikes, islands and enjoy delicious food. Plan your visit especially in spring or autumn, go to Gyeongjum, Jeonju or Jeju Island (hike the Jeju Olle trail, for example).
  • City spotting: Seoul, Busan, Jeonju, Gyeongju, Incheon, Andong. 
  • Activities spotting: Visit Korean style palaces, visit Seoul Tower for one of the best viewpoints in South Korea, walk around in traditional clothing (hanbok), visit fish markets, eat street food, see temples, stay overnight in a traditional Korean house (Hanok), visit Kpop museums and climb mountains. 
  • Nature spotting: Jeju Island (highest mountain in South Korea), Seoraksan National Park, Jirisan National Park, DMZ (demilitarized zone), Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, Boseon Green Tea Fields. 
  • Animal spotting: including Korean water lion, Amur leopard, Korean squirrel, maternity birds, mandarin duck, fire-bellied toad, gray dolphin.

Studying in South Korea?

  • Education in South Korea: South Korea is known for its high academic standards and top universities such as Seoul National University and KAIST.Language: Korean, but English-language programs are now available. 
  • Studies: huge choice, but popular fields of study are engineering, ICT, IT, biotech, business. South Korea is also known for entertainment and media, so studies in these directions can also be very interesting. 
  • Study cities:Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon. 
  • Study culture: the study culture is competitive and intense, with a strong focus on academic achievement and extracurricular activities.Students often come to classes in neat clothing - dress to impress.Language learning:You can learn Korean at language centers such as the Yonsei Korean Language Institute, universities, and through numerous online platforms.

Internship in South Korea?

  • Internship opportunities: there are many internship opportunities in South Korea, although the language can be a barierre. The most popular internships can be found in the fields of tech and IT, business, marketing and programming, as well as hospitality, banking and tourism. Furthermore, you can find internships in education such as teaching English or helping with after-school activities. 
  • Internship cities: Seoul, Busan, Daejoen. 
  • Characteristics: high workload with the expectation that you work many (overtime) hours during the week, trust, respect and strong personal and business relationships are important. The harder you work, the more likely you are to become a permanent employee. Internships last at least a few months, but often rather a year.  
  • Competencies: dedication, Korean language skills, cultural awareness, teamwork, discipline and perseverance.

Volunteering in South Korea?

  • In South Korea, you can volunteer both part-time and full-time. For example, there are options for working on farms, hostel work, teaching English, including to North Korean refugees, and supervising after-school programs. 
  • Animal/Nature projects: particularly helping stray animals.
  • Characteristics: both one week to several months possible, and both part-time and full-time. 

Working in South Korea?

  • Jobs: South Korea offers a wide range of employment opportunities in sectors such as technology, automotive, education, fashion, entertainment (K-Pop and K-Drama), finance, and medical care. Especially in large cities such as Seoul and Busan, English-speaking positions are available, especially in education (English teachers), technology, and international companies. Most foreigners go for jobs as English teachers.
  • Work Culture: The work culture in South Korea is hierarchical and respects seniority, with a strong emphasis on long hours and dedication. Cooperation and team harmony are important, with social activities such as company dinners often organized to strengthen group dynamics. It is common to notice subtle nonverbal cues (nunchi) and adapt accordingly.
  • Characteristics: Korean language skills can be important and open many doors, hard work, not a good work-life balance, large companies often offer support to foreigners. 

Working as a digital nomad in South Korea?

  • South Korea is gaining popularity among digital nomads, mainly due to its excellent infrastructure, high-speed Internet connections, and vibrant urban environments. Seoul, in particular, offers an array of coworking spaces, modern cafes, and a useful public transportation network. The Korean people's friendly attitude toward foreigners and growing expat communities also contribute to its appeal.
  • Favorite locations: Seoul, Busan, Jeju ijland, Gyeongju, Chuncheon. 
  • Characteristics: good facilities, visa available (provided you earn a lot), nice nightlife, apart from accommodation, most is fine to pay and many meetups. 

Living in South Korea?

  • Living in South Korea offers a modern lifestyle with access to excellent infrastructure and amenities, but requires adapting to a unique cultural and social context.
  • Quality of life: quality of life is high, with modern amenities, safe neighborhoods, and an efficient public transportation system. However, the cost of living can be significant, especially with regard to accommodation in large cities such as Seoul. Otherwise, there is plenty to do and experience, and you can easily visit surrounding countries such as Japan and Taiwan. 
  • Culture: Koreans value respect, hierarchy, and group harmony. Social norms include politeness and a formal form of address, and it is important to respect local customs and etiquette, such as removing shoes inside and showing respect to elders.
  • Characteristics: hard work, not very many expats, difficult language, conservative, expensive, very "livable," lots of nice things and good, modern amenities, super duper safe. 
  • Health care: health care in South Korea is high quality, with access to modern medical facilities and well-trained professionals. Do arrange your own (international) health insurance well.

 

Supporting content

South Korea Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

South Korea Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Content about South Korea on WorldSupporter

South Korea: Updates & Travel

South Korea: Updates & Travel

Travel in South Korea?

  • In South Korea, you are literally and figuratively between China and Japan. Along with influences from both countries (a fierce history story), South Korea has also really developed its own culture. Best known for the mega popular K-Pop, but also for its delicious street food. Yet the country has much more to offer. Among other things, you will find beautiful ancient temples, intense hiking and beautiful islands.

Updates South Korea

  • More about South Korea, updates and contributions, see the link below.

 

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